Palmetto State Advocacy: How Anjee Davis is Making a Difference
Anjee Davis first worked with C3 when she joined us for our Lobby Day and Training in Washington, DC, in 2006. She works at the Center for Colon Cancer Research (CCCR) at the University of South Carolina (USC), a basic science research organization funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Why did you start working for the Center for Colon Cancer Research (CCCR) at USC?
My first job in cancer was as a clinical research coordinator. It provided me with an intimate look at the challenges faced by cancer patients and their families.
CCCR was awarded over $11 million to develop a state-of-the-art research facility and to support young, up-and-coming researchers focused on colon cancer.
CCCR developed an initiative to bridge the laboratory to the community. My job duties include engaging and collaborating with patient advocates, policy makers, service providers, and community leaders to support and strengthen colon cancer research and its impact.
C3 was proud to be a silver sponsor of the masquerade gala for colorectal cancer awareness held at the Citadel in February 2007. You helped organize the gala. How did that come about and what was the event’s impact?
The gala was the dream of fellow C3 advocate, JoEllen DeLuca. Months before the event, JoEllen invited local advocates to her home and laid out her vision of a gala for South Carolina colorectal cancer awareness. In addition to the CCCR, we reached out to the Gibbs Regional Cancer Center in Spartanburg, SC, and to C3 to support our successful efforts. We raised over $30,000.
The proceeds were used to develop a statewide billboard campaign, and a community grants program. We were also able to support a local gastroenterologist who is providing free colonoscopies to uninsured patients.
I didn’t feel like an “advocate” until C3 invited me to attend their first Lobby Day and Training in 2006. That was an experience I won’t forget. I came back from that trip having met so many
wonderful people and inspired for action.
Excerpted from C3 Momentum Newsletter, Fall 2007
Last Update: March 3, 2008
